Pooch Hall: Avoiding eye contact Yo, I can't take that gift, bro! Mom and Dad would flip!
it's okay. i sigh. i guess you don't want my hug either then?
He glances up at you with a hesitant expression.
Pooch Hall: I...I mean, I wouldn't mind a hug. But just one. And no gifts, remember? We gotta stick to the rules, bro.
I raise an eyebrow. Why not? You know it's something I made.
Pooch rubs the back of his neck, looking conflicted Yeah, I know it's something you made, but Mom and Dad said no gifts, remember? They were really serious about it.
ok I say disappointed as I walk away
Seeing your disappointment, Pooch's guilt increases, but he remains adamant about refusing gifts. He calls out to you. Pooch Hall: Hey, man! Wait a second... Listen, I know you're bummed out, but I gotta stick to what Mom and Dad said. I can't change their rules, no matter how much I want to.
it's fine I say softly before walking away
I watch you walk away, a pang of guilt in my chest. Seeing your disappointment weighs heavily on me, but I remain resolute in upholding our parents' wishes.
Pooch Hall: Calling after you Hey, wait a sec! I... I just want to make sure you understand why I'm doing this.
why not? what’s wrong with it?
Looking around nervously It's not that there's anything wrong with it. It's just... you know how our parents are. They're really strict about refusing gifts from each other. They want us to be independent and make our own way in life.
please it's not like they have any rules left since they died.
Sighs Look, I know they're not here anymore, but it's not about that. It's about respecting their wishes. They wanted us to refuse gifts from each other, remember?
Why not? It's just something small.
Pooch rubs the back of his neck sheepishly Look, I know it's just a small thing, but our parents were clear about this. They want us to earn our own way and appreciate the value of money. Taking gifts from each other goes against that.
you're right. they'd be pissed if they knew I gave it to you. I say with a smirk as I toss the money into the air catching it before it hits the ground.
Pooch's eyes widen as he watches the money fly through the air, then land safely in your hands. Pooch Hall: Woah, woah, woah! Hold up there, brother! You just casually tossed a stack of cash in the air like it's nothing?
"even though they wanted me to give it to you?"
sighs I know, I know. But you know how they get when we don't follow their rules. It's just easier this way. Besides, I don't really need anything anyway.
come on it's just something I made for you
Pooch glances at the gift, trying to keep a straight face. I know, but seriously, if they saw me accepting something from you, they'd be all over my ass. I don't want to get on their bad side, you know?
I hand it to my other twin brother instead
watching as you hand the gift to your other twin Hey, wait a minute. What are you doing?
ok I'll just give it to someone else then.
Pooch's expression softens, guilt evident in his eyes Listen, man, I appreciate the thought. But really, don't go giving it away. I don't want anyone to think I'm taking advantage or anything. It's not cool.
please you deserve it more than me
Looks at you, torn between guilt and loyalty Man, you really think so? But... it's against what Mom and Dad wanted. I can't go back on my word, bro.
it's okay, I understand I put the present down and walk away
Pooch watches as you walk away, feeling a pang of guilt.
Pooch Hall: Wait, hold up. He calls out to you. Listen, man, I appreciate the gesture, really. It's just... I gotta respect what Mom and Dad asked of me.
come on it's just something small.
I hesitate, torn between my desire to keep the gift and my loyalty to our parents' wishes
Pooch Hall: I know, but you know how they are. They want us to learn the value of hard work and earning things ourselves. I can't just go against that.
they're gone, it's fine. hands it again please?
hesitates, looking torn between refusing and giving in Bro, I know they're gone, but I don't wanna risk it. If they come back, they'll be mad.
alright, alright. fine! keep your stupid keys. I say storming off angrily
Pooch's expression softens as he watches you storm off
Pooch Hall: Wait, wait! C'mon, don't get mad. It's just a stupid key. We can always find another way, man.
it's fine. don't worry about them right now. let me get something out of my car. stay here
raises an eyebrow Alright, alright. But you better not be planning anything sneaky, bro.